Ufahamu Africa
Ufahamu Africa is a podcast about life and politics on the African continent, co-hosted by Kim Yi Dionne, professor of political science at the University of California, Riverside, and Rachel Beatty Riedl, professor of government at Cornell University. Each Saturday, a new episode highlights what is happening in the news, followed by an interview with a diverse thinker or innovator who is deeply ingrained in the life, culture, and politics of the continent.
Episodes
Ep. 203: Fellows Fu Asiedu and Ami Tamakloe on the Anti-LGBT Bill in Ghana
This week we feature an episode by our nonresident fellows Fu Asiedu and Ami Tamakloe. They discuss the anti-LGBT bill in Ghana, providing some background on the bill and the politics surrounding it. They also convene a roundtable conversation of Ghanaians discussing the realities of everyday life under this bill.This is a really important episode and we’re grateful to Fu and Ami for giving a full
Ep. 202: Fellow Basil Ibrahim and Tedd Moya Mose on Sustainable Energy Systems
Dr. Tedd Moya Mose is a legal professional whose interdisciplinary interests extend from international energy law and policy to the just transition to sustainable energy systems. In this conversation with our fellow Basil Ibrahim, they discuss Dr. Moya's participation at the Africa Climate Summit and the COP28 meetings last year and the dilemmas of developmental aspirations that remain tether
Ep. 201: Fellow Expédit Ologou and Mamadou Ismaïla Konaté on Democracy (French)
We have a special French-language episode this week with Mamadou Ismaïla Konaté, a well-known Malian lawyer, working in the Bars of Mali and Paris. He has been a Minister of Justice of Mali (2016-17). He is leading a professional association focusing on the development of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). In this episode with our fellow Expédit Ologou, Konaté argues that democracy
Ep. 200: Military Coups in Africa with the Global Stage Podcast
Happy episode 200 of Ufahamu Africa! We're so pleased to feature one of our favorite episode formats for the occasion - a mashup! Thanks to the Global Stage podcast for hosting our cohost Rachel Beatty Riedl for a conversation with Notre Dame graduate student Rasheed Ibrahim and Afrobarometer director Joseph Asunka about the return of military coups on the continent.It’s an important conversa
Ep. 199: Carolyn Holmes on the Upcoming South Africa Elections
On May 29, South Africans will vote in the seventh election since the end of political apartheid in the early 1990s. This is the first election in which the ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC), is polling below 50 percent, which could force them into a coalition with one or more other parties to govern the country after the election.To learn more, we speak with Carolyn Holmes, an ass
Good Authority: Despite Africa’s Digital Media Boom, Huge Access Gaps Persist
"Lack of internet access leaves many without information on economic opportunities, health, and education," write Jeffrey Conroy-Krutz, Komi Amewunou, and Kelechi Amakoh in a new article from Good Authority. In today's bonus episode, Kim reads their latest piece, "Despite Africa's digital media boom, huge access gaps persist." Find the books, links, and articles we me
Good Authority: Don’t Call it a “Coup Epidemic” in Africa
In the last few years, militaries have carried out coups in numerous African countries, including Gabon, Niger, Burkina Faso, Sudan, Guinea, Chad, and Mali. Does this signify the beginning of a much broader continent-wide “coup epidemic?” Or are these coups mostly affecting especially weak states that face specific challenges? Where is democratic resilience strong and where is there a risk of cont
Ep. 198: AFCON and the Politics of Southern African Football
Fellow Gopolang Botlhokwane speaks to journalist and editor Njabulo Ngidi about the recent AFCON in Ivory Coast and the politics of football (or soccer, for our American listeners!) in Southern Africa. Njabulo Ngidi is a senior soccer journalist, he formerly led Newframe South Africa's sports desk. Ngidi's latest investigative piece ("2010 World Cup $10-million ‘bribe’: SA left out
Ep. 197: Nisrin Elamin on the Conflict in Sudan (rerun)
It’s never too late to pay attention to what is happening in Sudan. The international community should be supporting everyday people’s needs as they navigate this humanitarian disaster and should also be supporting a way forward out of the war.We're re-upping our conversation with Nisrin Elamin about the conflict in Sudan. Elamin is an assistant professor of anthropology at the University of
Ep. 196: Fellow Expédit Ologou and Mamadou Seck on Senegal's Election (French)
Today we have an extremely timely French-language episode on Senegal and the newly elected president, which is hosted by one of our non-resident fellows, Expédit Ologou. He talks with Mamadou Seck, who is the regional manager of the Natural Resource Governance Institute for Francophone West Africa and Central Africa, and is based in Dakar. Seck's work oversees research in the Democratic Repub
Ep. 195: Fellow Gopolang Botlhokwane and South Africa's Case Against Israel
Fellow Gopolang Botlhokwane speaks to political analyst and media expert Dr. Metji Makgoba about the domestic implications of South Africa's recent case against Israel at The Hague in the Netherlands, and the country's upcoming elections in which the ruling African National Congress is expected to lose its majority. Makgoba is also an academic and teaches communication at South Africa&ap
Ep. 194: Fellows Fu Asiedu and Ami Tamakloe and a People's Political History of Ghana
Imagine other worldly visitors have landed on Earth and are trying to learn about and understand Ghana and its politics. This episode from our new fellows, Fu Asiedu and Ami Tamakloe, provides a people’s political history and Ghanaian voices about its political present and their dreams for the country’s future.They don’t just share what they think about former leaders like the father of independen
Ep. 193: Lawrence Were and Access to Health Insurance
Lawrence Were is an assistant professor in the Department of Health Sciences at Boston University, where he does research on public health. In a conversation with Kim, you'll hear more about the impact of health insurance and how access to it would improve health outcomes for individuals and communities. In the news wrap, we catch up on President Macky Sall of Senegal and his rescheduling of
Ep. 192: Takondwa Semphere and Khaleelah Logan on Black African Diaspora and the Continent
Black African diaspora and their relationships with the African continent is the topic of today's episode. One of last year's fellows, Takondwa Semphere, spoke with Khaleelah Logan, a creative strategist, art director, curriculum developer, and storyteller with a background that ranges across the global social impact sector.With the emphasis in recent years on black travel, and the gover
Introducing Our New Fellows
Meet our new non-resident podcast fellows! Tune in today to hear short introductions to our fellows: Ami Tamakloe and Afua "Fu" Asiedu, Gopolang Botlhokwane, Expédit Ologou, and Basil Ibrahim. We're looking forward to sharing their amazing episodes this spring - stay tuned! Find the books, links, and articles we mentioned in this episode on our website, ufahamuafrica.com.
Ep. 191: Bamba Ndiaye and Michelle Gavin on Democratic Crisis in Senegal
Senegalese President Macky Sall has postponed the presidential elections originally scheduled for February 25. It's part of a series of concerning moves by Sall to extend his stay in power. We talk with experts on the topic: Bamba Ndiaye and Michelle D. Gavin. Bamba Ndiaye is an assistant professor of African studies at Emory University's Oxford College. He is also host of The Africanist
Ep. 190: 2023 Year in Review
We're looking back on 2023 and forward to 2024 in this week's episode! Kim and Rachel talk about elections, democracy, and more on the continent. Next week, we're excited to introduce you to our new non-resident fellows! Find the books, links, and articles we mentioned in this episode on our website, ufahamuafrica.com.
Ep. 189: Paul Friesen on Local Democratic Resilience
We're wrapping up our panel on democracy from the African Studies Association with a presentation from Paul Friesen on local democratic resilience under national autocracy. Friesen is a postdoctoral fellow at Cornell University, part of the Mario Einaudi Center for International Studies's Democratic Threats and Resilience research team.His research and teaching interests focus on democra
Ep. 188: Dominika Koter on Democracy in Benin
Dominika Koter, political scientist at Colgate University, presents the next case on democracy from our African Studies Association panel. You’ll hear her presentation on Benin and a news wrap from Kim and Rachel on South Africa's accusations of genocide against Israel, the current events in the Red Sea, and recent court cases involving Ousmane Sonko in Senegal.Find the books, links, and arti
Ep. 187: Alexandra Blackman on Democracy in Tunisia
Our African Studies Association panel continues this week with a case study on democracy in Tunisia from Cornell University's Alexandra Blackman. You'll hear her presentation on current events in Tunisia and a news wrap from Kim and Rachel on elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and a recent news story on a valuable mask from Gabon.This is our final episode of 2023! We&apos
Ep. 186: Democracy in Malawi
Today, we have part one of our African Studies Association panel on African democracy, focusing on democratic backsliding and sites and actors that have worked for democratic endurance, strengthening, and democratic governance. You'll hear Rachel's introduction on democratic backsliding on the continent and a case study from Kim on Malawi, written with Boniface Dulani. Next week, tune i
Ep. 185: Kwadwo Owusu on Environmental Health and Well-Being
Kwadwo Owusu, professor of geography and resource development at the University of Ghana, is our guest this week. He sits down with cohost Rachel Beatty Riedl for a conversation on climate and society, politics, and public policy around environmental health and well-being.They discuss what issues are on the horizon as we consider natural resource changes, technological changes, and social changes
Ep. 184: Fellow Maseke Rioba and Yasah Musah on Identity as a Human Right
Yasah Musah, program manager with the Nubian Rights Forum and member of the Nubian community, joins our 2021-22 podcast fellow Maseke Rioba for a conversation about identity and citizenship in Kenya. Find the books, links, and articles we mentioned in this episode on our website, ufahamuafrica.com.
Ep. 183: Nisrin Elamin on the Conflict in Sudan
This week we feature a conversation with Nisrin Elamin, assistant professor of anthropology at the University of Toronto. Her work investigates the connections between land, race, belonging, and empire-making in Sudan and the broader Sahel region. In our conversation, we focus on the conflict in Sudan. Find the books, links, and articles we mentioned in this episode on our website, ufahamuafrica.c
Ep. 182: Mandela Fellows Sandile Mnikati, Lindah Chavuya, Eunice Shapange, and Matshidiso Lencoasa on Public Policy
Sandile Mnikati, Lindah Mbaisi Chavuya, Eunice Ndeyapo Shapange, and Matshidiso Lencoasa are experts on public policy, planning, and governance from across the continent. We spoke with them about their visions for just governance while they were at Cornell University this summer completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders (YALI). Find the books, links, and articles we me
Bonus: Zimbabwe's 2023 Elections
"Few were surprised as, near midnight on August 26, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission announced incumbent president Emmerson Mnangagwa’s reelection in yet another of Zimbabwe’s tendentious contests," writes David B. Moore. "His inauguration on September 4 sanctified his return to power."In this article by Moore, first published in The Conversation Africa, he explains how the co
Ep. 181: Mandela Fellows Aisha Namugga, Bashiru Koroma, and Louise Tekapso on Sustainability
Aisha Namugga, Bashiru Koroma, and Louise Tekapso are climate experts from across the continent—Uganda, Sierra Leone, and Cameroon, respectively. We spoke with them about their expertise in climate change and sustainable environments while they were at Cornell University this summer completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders (YALI). The fellows discussed their vision fo
Ep. 180: Mandela Fellows Dede Barpeen, Gibson Maina, and Ruth Sulaimon on Health
Dede Barpeen, Gibson Mainaon, and Ruth Sulaimon are health professionals from across the continent—Liberia, Kenya, and Guinea-Bissau, respectively. We spoke with them about their expertise in public administration and health while they were at Cornell University this summer completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders (YALI). The fellows speak to their vision for a just h
Ep. 179: #OccupyJulorbiHouse Protests in Ghana
A three-day protest in Accra, Ghana, in late September addressed the economic strife faced by Ghanaians. Demonstrators were met with large numbers of arrests and pushback from police.In today's episode, - the launch of season 8! - our graduate podcast fellow Ami Tamakloe speaks with three guests who were involved with the protests: Antoinette Boama, Barbara Ntumy, and Benjamin Darko. Find the
Ep. 178: E. Tendayi Achiume and Eleanor Paynter on race, refuge, and border justice (rerun)
E. Tendayi Achiume is a professor of law at UCLA and a newly announced 2023 MacArthur Fellow. Her research focuses on international migration, refugee displacement, and especially the role of international law in shaping the way that borders work. Today's episode is a rerun in celebration of her recent fellowship announcement and covers a broad scope of Achiume's work, including colonia
Student Essay Winner: The Nigeria 2023 Election
Our student essay competition winner is Wisdom Adediji, an undergraduate student at the University of Ibadan! Wisdom reads his essay, "The Nigeria 2023 Election, Aftermath, and Way Forward to National Development," for this bonus episode. Find the books, links, and articles we mentioned in this episode on our website, ufahamuafrica.com.
Become an Ufahamu Africa Podcast Fellow
Apply now to become an Ufahamu Africa non-resident fellow! Working remotely, fellows host and produce 4 unique episodes that are aired on the podcast with the support of a $3,500 stipend. Apply by August 30 on our website: https://www.ufahamuafrica.com/call-for-applications-podcast-fellows. Find the books, links, and articles we mentioned in this episode on our website, ufahamuafrica.com.
Ep. 177: A conversation with fellow Bamba Ndiaye and journalist Borso Tall on uprisings in Senegal (part 2)
Our conversation with fellow Bamba Ndiaye and journalist Borso Tall continues this week, picking up where we left off on the sexual assault allegations against Ousmane Sonko and the uprising happening in their wake. In case you missed it, listen to episode 176 and part 1 of the conversation. Find the books, links, and articles we mentioned in this episode on our website, ufahamuafrica.com.
Ep. 176: A conversation with fellow Bamba Ndiaye and journalist Borso Tall on uprisings in Senegal (part 1)
In our latest episode from fellow Bamba Ndiaye, Bamba speaks with journalist Borso Tall who has been covering the current socio-political and judicial unrest in Senegal. Today's episode is part 1 of a conversation on what's been happening in the country.Find the books, links, and articles we mentioned in this episode on our website, ufahamuafrica.com.
Bonus: Laura Seay's review of "Roadblock Politics," "The War That Doesn't Say Its Name," and "Batman Saves the Congo"
Roadblock Politics, The War That Doesn't Say Its Name, and Batman Saves the Congo all examine the seeming perpetual violence in the Congo and dispel misconceptions surrounding Congolese conflicts. These books were reviewed by Laura Seay, who wrote “No, Batman didn’t save the Congo, and other book reviews” for The Monkey Cage as part of the 2022 African Politics Summer Reading Spectacular. Rev
Ep. 175: A conversation with fellow Kamogelo Tinyiko Theledi, Mpho Tjope, Rhulani Baloyi, and Kamohelo Sebudi about marginalized identities
In our latest from fellow Kamogelo Tinyiko Theledi, we talk about the representation of minority groups in South African art. Mainstream media often tells the story of majority groups and those who don’t fit into those stories are often considered outsiders. Kamo talks to guests Mpho Tjope, Rhulani Baloyi, and Kamohelo Sebudi for this conversation. Mpho is an author, speaker, founder and managing
Ep. 174: A conversation with Maseke Rioba and Njuguna Macharia on the sport of debate
Today's episode from fellow Maseke Rioba is a little different! Maseke interviews guest Njuguna Macharia about the sport of debate as a valuable development tool for African youth. Macharia is a lawyer, an experienced debater, and debate coach in Kenya. He speaks to the skills learned by debaters and how these tools benefit students beyond school. Find the books, links, and articles we mentio
Ep. 173: A conversation with fellow Kamogelo Tinyiko Theledi on arts funding and corruption
From fellow Kamogelo Tinyiko Theledi comes this episode on arts funding and corruption in South Africa. Kamo speaks with multiple guests about South Africa's Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture, a group that announced a relief fund of 150 million rand ($8.3 million) for artists, athletes, and others in these industries. Most of the money, however, was never shared with these workers. In S
Ep. 172: A conversation with E. Tendayi Achiume and Eleanor Paynter on race, refuge, and border justice
E. Tendayi Achiume is a professor of law at UCLA. Her research focuses on international migration, refugee displacement, and especially the role of international law in shaping the way that borders work. Today's episode covers a broad scope of Achiume's work, including colonialism, human rights, and migration. This episode is a podcast mashup between Ufahamu Africa and Migrations: A Worl
Ep. 171: A conversation with Mai Hassan, Nisrin Elamin, and Deen Sharp on Sudan
On April 15, fighting broke out in Sudan between the army and a powerful para-military group known as the RSF. Khartoum is the site of much of this fighting and its citizens have been fleeing amid a humanitarian crisis. Three scholars speak about the crisis for this episode, which first aired as a webinar called "Sudan: Insight into Current Events."You'll hear from Mai Hassan, assoc
Ep. 170: A conversation with activist Fatima Derby on Uganda's anti-gay bill
Ami Tamakloe, our graduate podcast fellow, is today's host! Ami speaks with activist Fatima Derby about Uganda's anti-gay bill, passed by its parliament on March 21. The bill criminalizes people who identify as LGBTQ and compels citizens to report those who do to authorities. Find the books, links, and articles we mentioned in this episode on our website, ufahamuafrica.com.
Bonus: Miriam Anderson reviews "War, Women, and Post-conflict Empowerment"
“War, Women, and Post-conflict Empowerment: Lessons from Sierra Leone depicts the everyday struggles of women trying to improve their lives, while illuminating the political, legal and economic conditions of Sierra Leoneans after civil war," writes Miriam Anderson. This week's episode is Anderson's full review of the book, originally published in The Monkey Cage. Review read by Ami
Bonus: Carolyn E. Holmes reviews "The Inheritors" and "Until We Have Won Our Liberty"
Carolyn E. Holmes writes for The Monkey Cage about two books that take different roads to understand South Africa:The Inheritors: An Intimate Portrait of South Africa’s Racial Awakening by Eve Fairbanks and Until We Have Won Our Liberty: South Africa after Apartheid by Evan Lieberman. "It is not that Fairbanks’s account of the New South Africa is pessimistic while Lieberman’s is optimistic,&
Ep. 169: A conversation with Oumar Ba, Marame Gueye, and Bamba Ndiaye on Senegalese democracy
Today's episode is a roundtable discussion with Rachel and guests Oumar Ba, Marame Gueye, and Bamba Ndiaye who shed light on the state of Senegalese politics and democracy. We discuss Senegalese president Macky Sall and his unwillingness to say whether or not he will run again, leading opposition politician Ousmane Sonko's rape and defamation cases, and the role of civic mobilizations in
Bonus: Laura Seay reviews "These Are Not Gentle People"
Laura Seay writes for The Monkey Cage that These Are Not Gentle People takes a deep look at community fear and mistrust.“Harding explores questions of fear, race and equality in post-apartheid South Africa, drawing a portrait of a community in which individuals of different racial groups are still very much afraid of one another," writes Seay. "This lack of connection, trust and knowledg
Ep. 168: A conversation with fellow Takondwa Priscilla Semphere and Keith Mundangepfupfu on African school culture
Takondwa Priscilla Semphere, one of our non-resident fellows, brings us a conversation about what it is like to be an African student and eventually a teacher. Takondwa is now a secondary school teacher in South Africa and she invites fellow teacher Keith Mundangepfupfu into a conversation about their own experiences in school and about school culture. Keith Mundangepfupfu is a Zimbabwean ethics a
Ep.167: A conversation with Prince Guma, Astrid Haas, and Patience Mususa on urban Africa
It's a mashup! We join up with the Governance Uncovered podcast from Jeffrey Paller and the Governance and Local Development Policy Institute to talk to Prince Guma, Astrid Haas, and Patience Mususa. Each is an expert on the urbanization of the continent. We respond to Jeffrey's recent article in This Week in Africa, "Five Trends that will Shape Urban Africa in 2023," which hi
Ep. 166: A conversation with fellow Bamba Ndiaye and Ugandan activist Bwesigye Bwa Mwesigire
Fellow Bamba Ndiaye explores the policing of protest in Africa and the mechanisms used by African governments to repress social movements and activists, alongside guest and Ugandan activist Bwesigye Bwa Mwesigire. Mwesigire teaches at Emory University's Institute of African Studies and is completing a PhD in English at Cornell University. He is also a member of the Ubuntu Reading Group Publis
Ep. 165: A conversation with fellow Kamo Tinyiko Theledi, Solly Moeng, and Sthembiso Sithole about social media and elections
Social media has an undeniable influence on politics and elections across the globe. Today, fellow Kamogelo Tinyiko Theledi speaks with expert guests Solly Moeng and Sthembiso Sithole about the use of social media by politicians and its effects on voters and elections. Solly Moeng is a brand reputation management expert and Sthembiso Sithole is a social media and digital specialist.Find the books,
Ep. 164: A conversation with fellow Maseke Rioba and human rights lawyer Diakhoumba Gassama about FGM
Diakhoumba Gassama is a human rights lawyer and program officer for the Hewlett Foundation's Gender Equity and Governance Program. She speaks with Ufahamu Africa fellow Maseke Rioba this week about the practice of FGM, or female genital mutilation. Listen for a conversation that incorporates both personal experience and the cultural and legal context surrounding FGM across the continent. We a
Bonus: Travis B. Curtice's review of "Policing and Politics in Nigeria"
In this review from The Monkey Cage's African Politics Summer Reading Spectacular, Travis B. Curtice tells us that Policing and Politics in Nigeria: A Comprehensive History "is a must read" for anyone trying to understand #ENDSARS, militarization, and the lingering effects of settler colonial dynamics on police. The book was reviewed by Curtice in July 2022.Review read by Ami Tamakl
Ep. 163: A conversation with fellow Takondwa Priscilla Semphere and her students on how we define Africa
What does Africa mean to us today? Fellow Takondwa Priscilla Semphere teaches at the African Leadership Academy, a school where approximately 35 African countries are represented at one time. Takondwa speaks with her students about the complicated question of how we understand and define Africa and its people for this episode. In the news wrap, Kim and Rachel discuss a special edition of The Monke
Ep. 162: A conversation with Idayat Hassan about the upcoming Nigerian elections
Idayat Hassan is the director of the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), an Abuja-based policy advocacy and research organization focusing on deepening democracy and development in West Africa. She talks to Rachel this week about the upcoming Nigerian elections and all there is to be hopeful about - the possibility for change, engagement from young people, and a potential renegotiation of
Ep. 161: A conversation with fellow Kamogelo Tinyiko Theledi and guest Momo Matsunyane about South African load-shedding and its effects on artists
Fellow Kamogelo Tinyiko Theledi sheds a light on the problem of load-shedding and its impact on independent theater companies in South Africa for this episode. "Load-shedding" refers to the deliberate shutdown of electric power in a part or parts of a power distribution system, generally to prevent the failure of the entire system when the demand strains the capacity of the system. Anal
Bonus: Dan Eizenga's review of "The Islamic State in Africa"
In this review from The Monkey Cage's African Politics Summer Reading Spectacular, Dan Eizenga tells us that The Islamic State in Africa "offers a wealth of information, contributing a great deal to the scholarly body of work focused on militant Islamist groups in Africa." The book was reviewed by Eizenga in July 2022.Review read by Ami Tamakloe.Find the books, links, and articles w
Ep. 160: A conversation with fellow Bamba Ndiaye and guests Sophia Denise Sow and Zachariah Mampilly about African activism
Fellow Bamba Ndiaye talks to two very exciting guests this week about political uprisings and social activism on the continent, from both activist and scholar perspectives. Sophia Denise Sow is a founding member of Senegal's Y'en a Marre movement and Zachariah Mampilly, cofounder of the Program on African Social Research (PASIRI) and the Marxe Endowed Chair of International Affairs at t
Ep. 159: A conversation with Mayor Manuel de Araújo on urban governance, community, and climate resilience
Happy new year from the Ufahamu Africa team! We're back with a conversation with Manuel de Araújo, mayor of Quelimane, Mozambique about how he became mayor, why he switched political parties in 2018, and what motivates voters in Mozambique. In the news wrap, Kim and Rachel share updates on Nigerian elections, the famine in Somalia, and more. Find the books, links, and articles we mentioned i
Ep. 158: A conversation with Joe Muturi about urban politics
Joe Muturi is president of the SDI Network, a social activist, and leader of Muungano wa Wanavijiji, the national federation of slum dwellers in Kenya. Muungano is the largest social movement in Kenya, which for over 20 years has campaigned against forced evictions and in support of secure tenure and improved services for Kenya's poor communities.He talks to Rachel this week about urban polit
Ep. 157: A conversation with Lauren Honig about land politics in Zambia and Senegal
Lauren Honig is an assistant professor of political science at Boston College whose work addresses questions of property rights, the roles of informal and customary institutions, natural resource politics, and state-citizen linkages. Lauren talks to Kim this week about her new book, Land Politics: How Customary Institutions Shape State Building in Zambia and Senegal.Plus, in the news wrap, Kim and
Ep. 156: A conversation with cohosts Kim and Rachel on accusations of corruption in Malawi
We're in conversation this week about the recent arrest of Malawi vice president Saulos Chilima. Kim, our resident Malawi expert, answers Rachel's questions about what is happening, the historical context, and more. In Kim's recent article for The Monkey Cage, she writes: "Malawians have seen tensions between their presidents and VPs before. They may be somewhat cynical about g
Ep. 155: A conversation with Eric Osei Assibey about the financial situation in Ghana
Eric Osei Assibey is the dean of international programs at the University of Ghana, Legon and an associate professor of economics. He joins our cohost Rachel Beatty Riedl to talk about the financial situation in Ghana, the state of the Ghanian economy, and the effects of the war in Ukraine on the country. Find the books, links, and articles we mentioned in this episode on our website, ufahamuafric
Ep. 154: A conversation with fellow Samah Fawzi about the Western Sahara (part 2)
Following up from last week, last season's fellow Samah Fawzi continues the deep dive into Western Sahara, this time through discussions with guests Chaia Luali and Maghlaha Hamma, who share their insights on women’s lives and the various roles they lead in Tindouf refugee camps and the Sahrawi cause.Chaia Luali is a Western Sahara activist from the Sahrawi refugee camps, she is member of the
Ep. 153: A conversation with fellow Samah Fawzi about the Western Sahara (part 1)
In this episode, our fellow from last season, Samah Fawzi, does a deep dive into the Western Sahara, its history, composition, and current affairs. She engages in discussions with Sahrawi people from different professional backgrounds and geographical location, with the aims of detangling complex and at times contradictory historical tales, shedding light into the often underrepresented or misrepr
Ep. 152: A conversation with fellows Soinato Leboo and Gretchen Walch about making it in Kenya
Why are Kenyans seeking extra jobs outside of their full time work? Gretchen Walch and Soinato Leboo, fellows from our 2021-22 cohort, interview Nairobi-based friends Bonface Nyalwal and Joan Mumbi about their personal experiences and perspectives to better understand the job market, the phenomena of the side hustle, and how people are making it in Kenya. Find the books, links, and articles we me
Ep. 151: Introducing season 7 and our new fellows
Welcome back to the podcast! Kim and Rachel return for season 7 of the show with a recap of some exciting things that happened while we were on break, new books we are looking forward to learning from, and an introduction of our newest cohort of fellows. Books, Links, & ArticlesActivist Origins of Political Ambition: Opposition Candidacy in Africa's Electoral Authoritarian Regimes by Kei
Bonus: Laura Seay's review of "Born in Blackness"
In this review from The Monkey Cage's African Politics Summer Reading Spectacular, Laura Seay tells us that Born in Blackness is a compelling, unforgettable read. Hear the full review on today's bonus episode!Review read by Ami Tamakloe.Books, Links, & ArticlesBorn in Blackness: Africa, Africans, and the Making of the Modern World, 1471 to the Second World War by Howard French"
Bonus: Senegal's Voters in the Driver's Seat
"Despite a tense campaign period, low voter turnout (46%), and the opposition’s calls to secure the votes in certain localities, election day remained peaceful and highly competitive," write Oumar Ba, Rachel Beatty Riedl, and Bamba Ndiaye. Hear the full article from The Conversation: Africa on today's bonus episode, read by Ami Tamakloe. Books, Links, & Articles"Senegal’s P
Bonus: A rerun of our conversation with Naunihal Singh about coups
This week's episode is a rerun of a conversation we had with coup expert Naunihal Singh, inspired by his recent tweets about another coup attempt in Burkina Faso.In this conversation from April 2022, Singh breaks down what coups are, shares how he began studying them, and what we should know about what was happening on the continent at the time.Books, Links, & ArticlesSeizing Power: The S
Bonus: Laura Seay's review of "The Black and White Rainbow"
In this review from The Monkey Cage's African Politics Summer Reading Spectacular, Laura Seay tells us that The Black and White Rainbow "deserves to be a classic in the field." The book is a story of race, citizenship, and memory in South Africa, reviewed by Seay in September 2021.Review read by Ami Tamakloe.Books, Links, & ArticlesThe Black and White Rainbow: Reconciliation, Op
Bonus: Laura Seay's review of "Do Not Disturb"
Michela Wrong's book, Do Not Disturb: The Story of a Political Murder and an African Regime Gone Bad, explores the 2013 murder of an exiled Rwandan official. In this bonus episode, hear Laura Seay's review of the book, first published in The Monkey Cage in August 2021. Books, Links, & ArticlesDo Not Disturb: The Story of a Political Murder and an African Regime Gone Bad by Michela Wr
Bonus: Laura Seay's review of "Bring Back Our Girls"
What happened to the 276 girls kidnapped by Boko Haram in April 2014? A book by Joe Parkinson and Drew Hinshaw named after the movement, "Bring Back Our Girls," tells the story. This episode is a reading of Laura Seay's review of the book, first published in The Monkey Cage in July 2021. Review read by Ami Tamakloe.Books, Links, & ArticlesBring Back Our Girls: The Untold Story o
Bonus: Laura Seay and Kim Yi Dionne recommend 3 books on Kenyan politics
Today's bonus episode is three book recommendations in one! Our co-host Kim Yi Dionne co-wrote this article with Laura Seay in July 2021 about three reads that offer a deep dive into Kenyan politics: Regime Threats and State Solutions, Political Violence in Kenya, and Kakuma Refugee Camp. Review read by Ami Tamakloe. Books, Links, & Articles"3 Books Offer Deep Dive into Kenyan Politi
Bonus: Fulya Felicity Turkmen's review of "Development, (Dual) Citizenship, and Its Discontents in Africa"
Robtel Neajai Pailey's Development, (Dual) Citizenship, and Its Discontents in Africa is a "must-read for researchers and policymakers working in the fields of migration, citizenship, diasporas, and development." This week's bonus review from The Monkey Cage is by Fulya Felicity Turkmen, our former podcast research assistant! The review is read by Ami Tamakloe. Books, Links, &
Bonus: Naazneen H. Barma's review of "The Frontlines of Peace"
What creates peace in war-torn countries? Naazneen H. Barma writes a review of The Frontlines of Peace and emphasizes the importance of grassroots movements. This review was read by Ami Tamakloe. Books, Links, & Articles"This Book Explains When Peacekeeping Works—And When It Doesn’t" by Naazneen H. BarmaThe Frontlines of Peace: An Insider's Guide to Changing the World by Séverin
Ep. 150: Hosts Kim Yi Dionne and Rachel Beatty Riedl wrap up season 6
Listen to Ufahamu Africa co-hosts Kim Yi Dionne and Rachel Beatty Riedl wrap up Season 6. In addition to reflecting on their first season incorporating the voices of Ufahamu Africa's non-resident fellows, Kim and Rachel also talk at length about the Kenyan elections and electoral politics and democracy more broadly in Africa. This 150th episode also shares some of what they're hoping to
Bonus: Kim Yi Dionne's review of Paul Farmer's "Fevers, Feuds, and Diamonds"
Kim reviews Paul Farmer's last book, Fevers, Feuds, and Diamonds, in this week's bonus episode. Farmer, a well-known American medical anthropologist and physician, offers an essential and provocative account of the West African Ebola crisis and why it occurred.Books, Links, & Articles"Paul Farmer's Last Book Teaches Still More About Pandemics" by Kim Yi DionneFevers, F
Ep. 149: A conversation with fellows Soinato Leboo and Gretchen Walch and Kenyans going abroad
Fellows Soinato Leboo and Gretchen Walch speak to some of their Kenyan friends about the phenomenon of Kenyans moving out of the country to live abroad. Does going abroad automatically make you successful? And what are the other myths that Kenyan people may believe about what it means to move to another country? Don't forget that applications are now open for our non-resident fellows program
Ep. 148: A conversation with fellow Wanjiku Ngugi and Catherine Muya on new media and democracy
In this episode, we explore the concept of digitization, new media, and its impact on democratization in Africa. Our guest is Catherine Muya, a lawyer currently leading the digital rights department at ARTICLE 19 Eastern Africa. In her current role she leads the implementation of various projects aimed at promoting online free expression and an open internet.Muya speaks with our non-resident fello
Bonus: Kate Cronin-Furman's review of "States of Justice"
This week's bonus episode is a review of States of Justice: The Politics of the International Criminal Court by Oumar Ba. Reviewer Kate Cronin-Furman writes that the book asks tough questions about the International Criminal Court and illuminates the relationship between African governments and the ICC. Review read by Ami Tamakloe.Books, Links, & Articles"States of Justice Asks Tough
Ep. 147: A conversation with fellow Chido Nyaruwata and Amanda Mokoena about race, gender, and the natural environment
In this episode, fellow Chido Nyaruwata speaks to Amanda Mokoena , an African feminist, writer, and scholar whose work is on the intersection of race, gender, and the natural environment. Amanda teaches "African Feminist Theories, Politics, and Action" in the Department of African Feminist Studies at the University of Cape Town and is pursuing a PhD in anthropology at the University of
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